The Premarital Counseling Handbook

by H. Norman Wright

In any endeavor, dreams and goals not backed by concrete plans and preparations can result in failure. And marriage is no exception, claims H. Norman Wright. In fact, without solid planning and forethought by engaged couples, we will surely see a continuation of the startling divorce rate among Christians and non-Christians alike. On the other hand, thorough premarital counseling and preparation can result in lifelong marriages that are fulfilling and God honoring. That's where the church comes in.

More and more churches are realizing that their responsibility lies not only in pronouncing men and women 'husband and wife,' but also in making sure the proper foundation is laid so that marriages have a better chance of standing strong under pressure. Since its introduction in 1977 as Premarital Counseling , this book has been used by thousands of churches throughout the country as both a guide and reference tool. Now Dr. Wright has added new material to cover some perplexing issues that have come into prominence only recently. Among those special concerns are interracial marriages, second marriages, and marriages of persons from dysfunctional families.

Writing for both pastors and other premarital counselors, H. Norman Wright sets you at ease about the counseling process, even if you've had only limited counseling experience. As the author of the popular Before You Say I Do and numerous other books on marriage, H. Norman Wright documents in The Premarital Counseling Handbook methods hat have proved successful. These will help insure that the marriages performed in your church will resist the pressures that are destroying today's married couples.

Genres: Counselling, Marriage

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 1992

About the author

H. Norman Wright is a well-respected Christian counselor who has helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helps couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also reveals insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.hnormanwright.com

Reviews

[Michael T. Crumpler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

The book is very thorough on the subject. I advise reading it through a digital version with text to speech capability as it will be easier to enjoy and not such a "dry," read.

[Andrew Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it is a bit outdated and an updated edition would be helpful, this is an excellent resource for anyone who will be doing Pre-Marital counseling!

[Firdaus Salim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the experiences shared in this book very enlightening for me.

[Jakob Siegel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent handbook, but it was a bit dated and a bit too overcomplicated and convoluted.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must have done something right... got a great grade. This book gave me lots to think about as I was about to embark into a long term relationship which I had hoped led to marriage from a past love. He chickened out. Looking at strategies in the goals of pre-marital counseling taught me to look at finances, household, grown children, religion sanctions, and society views. We got great resources for both parties to address. The class ended up doing role-plays and how to address being a counselor with other parties who had children and did not want to get married. Great book for a great class.